Quadriplegic gives inspiring lecture to UBMD physicians, staff

Submitted

Tue, Oct 25th 2016 05:55 pm

Twenty-one years ago to the day, Maine-born Travis Roy took his first
steps onto the ice as a D-1 Boston University hockey freshman. He never could've
anticipated that, just 11 seconds later, his life would be forever changed.

On Oct. 20, faculty, staff and friends of UBMD Orthopaedics &
Sports Medicine were honored to hear Roy's incredible story during their "grand
rounds" - a time attending physicians typically use to teach residents and fellows.

This particular presentation was different. Roy began his presentation
by saying, "I'm sure it gets very academic in here. But this is a great chance
to talk to you all a little about real life."

Roy grew up in a small town in Maine dreaming about being a
professional hockey player. He worked every day at his goal, and it paid off in
high school, as he was sought-after by top D-1 hockey programs - as well as the
NHL. Knowing he wanted to play D-1 hockey, Roy accepted a position on Boston
University's championship team.

He remembered waking up the morning of his first game and thinking, "This
is the best day of my life."

Friends, family and former coaches attended the game to show their
support. As Roy took the ice, he was slammed into the boards.

"I knew it right away," he said. "My dad came on the ice and I said,
'Dad, I'm in big trouble. My neck hurts and I can't feel anything. But Dad, I
made it.' "

Roy fractured his fourth and fifth vertebrae, leaving him a
quadriplegic at age 18.

"That's the challenge that chose me," he said. "There are times when we
choose our challenges, and times those challenges choose us. For that 11
seconds, I proved that a little kid from Maine had beat the odds, and no one
can take that away from me."

Roy went on to explain to the captive audience that having a positive
attitude made a huge difference in coming to terms with his injury.

"As a patient, I can feel it," he said. "There's nothing that helps a
patient more than a positive attitude from a doctor, nurse (or other health
care worker)."

Roy realized his goals needed to change, as he would never again be an
elite hockey player. His goals were different, but he still had a lot to prove
to everyone else - and to himself. He admitted that it was difficult to stay
positive.

"I quickly realized I was one of the fortunate ones," he said. "Sure,
we all have things we want to change. So what do you do? You always have a
choice when presented with a challenge."

Roy explained every day is a struggle to be independent, but he has
worked hard to get as much independence as possible.

"Learning how to feed myself again was hard. It took the same amount of
effort to move a piece of food from the plate to my mouth as it did to bench
275 pounds six months prior," he said.

Friends, family and complete strangers helped him along his journey and
encouraged him to share his story. Since the accident, Roy graduated from
Boston University in four years with a communications degree. He started the Travis Roy Foundation,
raising $10 million for research and grants. He has also written a book
about his journey and is currently in the process of writing his second book.

"I'm still the same Travis Roy I've always been," he said. "I'm just
rolling through life instead of skating. I like to look at each day like a new
faceoff. Nothing is going to stand in my way."